Background:

Sylvia holds a Bachelor of Laws (Hons) degree from the National University of Singapore and obtained a Master of Laws degree in 1989 from the University of London. She was called to the Singapore Bar in 1991. She also obtained a Cambridge Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults (CELTA) in 2005 and Certificate in Security Management (Michigan State University) in 2010.

In 1991, she joined the Singapore Police Force as a Police Inspector where she served for three years; she was active in investigation work (including supervision) at the Central Police Division HQ and thereafter was staff officer to the Director of the Criminal Investigation Department.

In 1994, she returned to practise law in the private sector, with M/s Lim & Lim. From 1994 to 1998, she was active in both civil and criminal litigation and handled a variety of cases in the High Court, Subordinate Courts and Juvenile Court.

In 1998 she joined Temasek Polytechnic as a law lecturer.  From 2004 to 2011, she was concurrently its Manager of Professional Development at the Polytechnic’s Business School, overseeing adult education. Her 12 years at the Polytechnic were spent teaching and researching especially in areas related to civil and criminal procedure, criminal justice and private security.

Sylvia became a Non-Constituency Member of Parliament (NCMP) after leading a Workers’ Party team to contest Aljunied GRC in the 2006 General Elections and securing 43.9% of the votes cast. In the 2011 General Elections, she was part of the victorious Workers’ Party team who contested in Aljunied GRC, achieving the first GRC breakthrough for an opposition team with 54.7% of the votes. She is now the MP in charge of the Serangoon division of Aljunied GRC.

Sylvia is currently a Senior Associate at M/s Peter Low LLC, a local law firm, and is pursuing a Master of Science qualification with Michigan State University in the field of criminal justice.

Philosophy:

During the 2001 General Elections when two-thirds of seats were uncontested and the ruling party won 75% of the contested votes, Sylvia was very concerned that the fate of alternative parties in Singapore hung in the balance. She believes strongly that alternative parties have a role in scrutinising government policy constructively and asking for justifications for any laws which will affect the people.

Sylvia loves running outdoors but, due to injury, has also turned to swimming. She also enjoys music in many genres from classical to jazz, and is a supporter of the local arts scene.